NewJeans' Hanni and Minji Leave Korea Without Manager: “Wanted to Go Somewhere No One Recognizes Us”

On April 13, Hanni and Minji—members of global K-pop sensation NewJeans—were seen enjoying a low-key trip to Rome, Italy. Photos of their travels were uploaded to the Instagram account “mhdhh friends,” an independent social media channel run by the members themselves.

In the photos, Hanni and Minji strike playful poses in front of the iconic Pantheon and are seen exploring the city’s charming streets. The caption revealed a desire to disconnect:

“Bunnies, how are you? I’ve come to a faraway place for a bit. I wanted to go somewhere no one would recognize me.”

Their quiet escape drew attention after fans reported sightings of the two idols touring the Vatican alone—without any manager or staff. The duo's rare solo outing, later confirmed with personal photos, showcases their close bond and desire for normalcy amid turbulent times.

This trip comes at a critical juncture for the group, following a major fallout between the members and their agency, ADOR, which is a subsidiary of HYBE.

Last November, NewJeans announced the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR, citing dissatisfaction with management and expressing intent to pursue independent activities under the new group name NJZ.

However, the Seoul Central District Court recently sided with ADOR in an injunction ruling. The court denied the group’s claims, stating that none of the 11 grievances—including the dismissal of ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, internal documents suggesting a rebranding of NewJeans, and allegations of neglect—were sufficient grounds for contract termination.

As a result, the court upheld ADOR’s authority as NewJeans’ management and prohibited the members from signing new contracts or promoting under a different group name.

In response, the members have paused all group activities and rebranded their social media presence under the name “mhdhh,” using the initials of each member. They have also filed a main lawsuit seeking official confirmation of their contract termination and have contested the injunction decision.

With the legal battle still unfolding and the group in limbo, fans are paying close attention to the members’ every move—including this unexpected getaway. While it may be a short personal retreat, it also reflects the emotional distance the idols may be seeking from their current conflict.

NewJeans, once one of the fastest-rising girl groups in K-pop, now faces an uncertain future. Whether their Rome escape was a symbolic breather or a quiet statement remains open to interpretation—but for now, Hanni and Minji are simply two young women searching for peace in a city where no one knows their names.

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